In the UK, most medicines are ‘licensed’ but some are not. This page explains why medicines are licensed and why some useful medicines do not have licences. You have been referred this page by your doctor or pharmacist because the medicine prescribed for you is not ‘licensed’ or is being used for a reason not covered by the licence. We want to reassure you that we have thought very carefully about the best medicine for you. This page answers some of the commonly asked questions.